US10202995B2 - Self-locking edge clip fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-locking push-on clip fastener for securing two components together is disclosed. The clip fastener includes a u-shaped clip body that includes upper and lower legs and a curved end that connects the legs. The clip body has an open end into which the component to be attached is inserted. The legs are movable between an initial, spaced apart arrangement in which the component may be inserted into the clip body, to a final component-engaging position in which the component is captured between the legs. A slidably movable u-shaped trigger is attached to the clip body. A trigger-guiding channel is formed on the inner wall of one or both of the legs of the clip body. The trigger is slidably movable in the channel. An interlock system comprising first and second windows is formed in one of the legs of the clip body and a flange extending from the trigger.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed inventive concept relates generally to fasteners for use in coupling two components together. More particularly, the disclosed inventive concept relates to edge clip fasteners that are self-locking. A trigger is movably displaceable from its initial, pre-locking position, to a locking position. In the locking position, the position of the trigger is locked while the component is fixed to the edge clip fastener. Also in the locking position, the trigger is entirely disposed within the body of the edge clip fastener.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Clip fasteners replace traditional screw fixings in many applications and have may uses in a wide variety of industries. Broadly speaking, clip fasteners are utilized for fastening two or more components together. Challenges faced by industries include different types of tools needed for assembly and different materials to be fastened together. Other challenges include fastening locations, which may offer only limited access for both assembly during manufacture and removal or adjustment during maintenance. Each of these challenges has the potential for increasing assembly cost to manufacturers because of added tooling as well as extra assembly time.

Clip fasteners commonly find utility in the energy and automotive sectors. In the energy sector, clip fasteners are commonly used to hold solar panels to underlying framework. Also in the energy sector, clip fasteners are used to fasten and ground photovoltaic modules and in the fastening of electric cables.

In the automotive sector, clip fasteners have many uses, including in air bag assembly, window construction, instrument panels and interior and exterior trim attachment. These are some examples of the many uses known for clip fasteners.

Modern demands on the design and construction of clip fasteners mean that new clip fastener solutions need to contribute to ease of assembly as used in production (particularly in view of increasing automation) and provide excellent attachment strength, while maintaining high reliability and low production costs. Compliance with the need for standardization and the requirements of the automotive industry has proved challenging to current clip fastener designs.

Accordingly, and as is the case in many industries, known approaches to clip fasteners for use in attaching components together are undesirable and impractical. An improved arrangement for attaching two components together remains wanting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed inventive concept overcomes the problems associated with edge clips by providing a simple and cost-effective response to the demands of the marketplace. Particularly, the self-locking (or self-latching or self-retaining) edge clip for attachment of a component according to the disclosed inventive concept includes a u-shaped clip body adaptable between a first position in which the component may be freely inserted to a second position in which the component is captured by the clip. The clip body includes upper and lower legs and a curved end that connects the legs. The clip body has an open end into which the component to be attached is inserted. The legs are movable between an initial, spaced apart arrangement in which the component may be inserted into the clip body, to a final component-engaging position in which the component is captured between the legs. The edge clip of the disclosed inventive concept may have a broad variety of applications that include, but are not limited to, attachment of components in an automobile.

A slidably movable u-shaped trigger is attached to the clip body. According to the preferred embodiments, the u-shaped trigger is provided substantially if not entirely within the clip body. A trigger-guiding channel is formed on the inner wall of one or both of the legs of the clip body. The trigger is slidably movable in the channel. An interlock system is disclosed comprising a first window and a second window formed in one of the legs of the clip body and a flange extending from the trigger. The first window is provided so that the trigger flange may be locked in its initial position in which the legs are held in their spaced apart positions by the trigger. The second window is provided so that the trigger flange may be locked in its final position in which the legs apply locking tension to the component. The second window may be formed in the curved end of the clip body.

Variations of the self-locking edge clip according to the disclosed inventive concept include a frangible bridge that attaches the trigger to the clip body. The frangible bridge may be broken for placement of the trigger within the clip body prior to attachment of the component. In another variation, the trigger includes an underside that slides along the inner wall of one of the legs, guided on both sides by a pair of spaced-apart lateral arms that extend over the opposed edges of the leg. In yet another variation of the disclosed inventive concept, the trigger may be ejected out of the clip body upon insertion of the component.

Upon insertion of the component into the clip body, the trigger is displaced from its initial position in which the trigger holds the legs apart to its final position when the trigger is pushed clip-inward, resulting in the legs applying a capturing tension to the component. One or more barbs may be provided that extend from the inside wall of one of the legs to help frictionally engage the component, thereby further assuring that, once locked into the edge, clip, the component is not easily released. Provision of the barbs in their various embodiments minimize or eliminate entirely the risk of scratching the painted surface of the component being attached. By avoiding the scratching of the painted surface, the risk of corrosion is also minimized or entirely eliminated.

The above advantages and other advantages and features will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should now be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an edge clip according to a first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to that ofFIG. 1, but illustrating the clip edge in cross-section;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the edge clip shown inFIG. 1 illustrating a component in position in the clip body awaiting insertion;

FIG. 4 is the same view asFIG. 3 but showing the edge clip and component in cross-section;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the edge clip shown inFIG. 1 again illustrating a component in the clip body awaiting insertion;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the edge clip and component combination ofFIG. 5 in which the component is awaiting insertion;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the edge clip according to the first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in its final position with the component fully inserted;

FIG. 8 is the same view asFIG. 7 but showing the edge clip in its final position together with the component in cross-section;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the edge clip according to the first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in its final position with the component fully inserted;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the edge clip and component shown inFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an edge clip according to a second embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to that ofFIG. 11, but illustrating the clip edge in cross-section;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the edge clip shown inFIG. 11 illustrating a component in position in the clip body awaiting insertion;

FIG. 14 is the same view asFIG. 13 but showing the edge clip and component in cross-section;

FIG. 15 is an end view of the edge clip and component combination ofFIG. 14 in which the component is awaiting insertion;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the edge clip shown inFIG. 11 again illustrating a component in the clip body awaiting insertion;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the edge clip according to the second embodiment of the disclosed invention in its final position with the component fully inserted;

FIG. 18 is the same view asFIG. 17 but showing the edge clip in its final position together with the component in cross-section;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the edge clip according to the second embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in its final position with the component fully inserted;

FIG. 20 is an end view of the edge clip and component shown inFIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an edge clip according to a third embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the edge clip shown inFIG. 21 illustrating a component in position in the clip body awaiting insertion in which the edge clip and the component are shown in cross-section;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the edge clip shown inFIG. 21 illustrating a component in position in the clip body awaiting insertion;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the edge clip according to the third embodiment of the disclosed invention in its final position with the trigger has been fully inserted and the component is in its captured position;

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the edge clip according to the third embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in its final position with the component fully inserted;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an edge clip according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position;

FIG. 27 is a view similar to that ofFIG. 26, but illustrating the clip edge in cross-section;

FIG. 28 is a view similar to that ofFIG. 27, but illustrating the trigger having been broken off of the lower leg of the clip body and inserted into the edge clip body to receive the component;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the edge clip according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position with a component in position awaiting insertion;

FIG. 30 is the same view asFIG. 29 but shown in cross-section;

FIG. 31 is the same view asFIG. 29 but showing the component fully inserted and the edge clip in its final position;

FIG. 32 is the same view asFIG. 31 but shown in cross-section;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an edge clip according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position;

FIG. 34 is a view similar to that ofFIG. 33, but illustrating the clip edge in cross-section;

FIG. 35 is a side view of the edge clip in its initial position as shown inFIG. 33 and further illustrating a component in position in the clip body awaiting insertion;

FIG. 36 is the same view asFIG. 35 but shown in cross-section;

FIG. 37 is a top plan view of the edge clip shown inFIG. 33 again illustrating a component in the clip body awaiting insertion;

FIG. 38 is a side view of the edge clip in its final position in which the trigger has been fully inserted and the component is in its captured position;

FIG. 39 is the same view asFIG. 38 but shown in cross-section; and

FIG. 40 is a plan view of the edge clip in its final position in which the trigger has been fully inserted and the component is in its captured position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features of the embodiments illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce alternative embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations.

Various embodiments of the disclosed inventive concept are illustrated in the figures and are discussed in conjunction therewith. Specifically,FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate a first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept.FIGS. 11 through 20 illustrate a second embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept.FIGS. 21 through 25 illustrate a third embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept.FIGS. 26 through 32 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept. AndFIGS. 33 through 40 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept. It is to be understood that each embodiment as illustrated is suggestive and not intended as being limiting, as sizes and overall configurations may be varied without deviating from the scope and spirit of the various embodiments of the disclosed inventive concept.

Referring to the first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 10, an edge clip, generally illustrated as10, is shown in perspective view. Theedge clip10 has multiple applications but is generally used to hold a component under tension to the clip, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. Theedge clip10 includes a generallyu-shaped clip body12. Theclip body12 may be composed of any material capable of generating a clamp load to hold a component with enough tension so as to prevent the component from separating from theedge clip10.

Theclip body12 includes a first orupper leg14 and a second orlower leg16. Thefirst leg14 and thesecond leg16 are connected by acurved clip end18. Formed on the inner side of thefirst leg14 is a first deep drawnchannel20 and formed on the inner side of thesecond leg16 is a second deep drawnchannel22. The widths of the deep drawnchannels20 and22 may be other than those shown and are not necessarily the same.

To assure that the component is securely held to theclip body12, at least one but preferably two barbs are provided. Most preferably afirst barb24 and asecond barb24′ are formed on thefirst leg14. Thebarbs24 and24′ assure that only unidirectional movement of the component into theclip body12 is possible. Thebarbs24 and24′ may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, sharp, round, and spiked.

Thefirst leg14 includes anupturned end26 at its end opposite thecurved clip end18. Theupturned end26 allows for easy insertion of the component into theclip body12. Afirst window28 is formed in the deep drawnchannel20 of thefirst leg14. Thefirst window28 is relatively close to theupturned end26 of thefirst leg14. An elongatedsecond window29 is also formed in the deep drawnchannel20 of thefirst leg14. Thesecond window29 extends into thecurved clip end18.

Amovable trigger30 is provided within theclip body12. Themovable trigger30 includes a first orupper trigger leg31 having a clipbody engagement flange32 extending therefrom. Themovable trigger30 also includes a second orlower leg34 attached to thefirst leg31 by acurved trigger end36. Thefirst leg31 of theclip body12 is slidably positioned in the deep drawnchannel20 of thefirst leg14 of theclip body12. Thesecond leg34 of theclip body12 is slidably positioned in the deep drawnchannel22 of thesecond leg16. Thewindow29 formed in theclip body12 is sufficiently large so that thetrigger30 may pass therethrough upon insertion of the component as discussed below.

Theclip body12 is provided to the end user in its pre-attachment state as illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 6. In this state, themovable trigger30 is positioned toward the open end of theclip body12. In this position, theflange32 of thetrigger30 engages thefirst window28. This engagement prevents thetrigger30 from prematurely being moved out of position. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 4, the pre-attachment position of thetrigger30 maintains a widely spaced relationship between the ends of thefirst leg14 and thesecond leg16, thereby allowing insertion of the component therebetween.

Upon initial insertion of acomponent38 into theclip body12 as illustrated inFIGS. 3 through 6, the leading edge of thecomponent38 is placed into contact with the inside of thecurved clip end18. As thecomponent38 is pushed clip-inward by the operator into theclip body12, the leading edge of thecomponent38 forces theflange32 of thetrigger30 to become disengaged from thewindow28.

Clip-inward movement of thecomponent38 continues until theflange32 of thetrigger30 is moved into and past thesecond window29, thereby being ejected out of theclip body12. With thecomponent38 inserted into theclip body12 to its maximum position, the maximum tension applied to thecomponent38 by thebarbs24 and24′ prevents release of thecomponent38 from theclip body12.

Referring to the second embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept illustrated inFIGS. 11 through 20, an edge clip, generally illustrated as50, is shown in perspective view. Like theedge clip10 referenced above, theedge clip50 has multiple applications but is generally used to hold a component under tension to the clip, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. Theedge clip50 includes a generallyu-shaped clip body52. Theclip body52 also may be composed of any material capable of generating a clamp load to hold a component with enough tension so as to prevent the component from separating from theedge clip50.

Theclip body52 includes a first orupper leg54 and a second orlower leg56. Thefirst leg54 and thesecond leg56 are connected by a solidcurved clip end58. Formed on the inner side of thefirst leg54 is a first deep drawnchannel60 and formed on the inner side of thesecond leg56 is a second deep drawnchannel62. The widths of the deep drawnchannels60 and62 may be other than those shown and are not necessarily the same.

To assure that the component is securely held to theclip body52, at least one but preferably two barbs are provided. Most preferably afirst barb64 and asecond barb64′ are formed on thefirst leg54. Thebarbs64 and64′ assure that only unidirectional movement of the component into theclip body52 is possible. Thebarbs64 and64′ may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, sharp, round, and spiked.

Thefirst leg64 includes anupturned end66 at its end opposite thecurved clip end58. Theupturned end66 allows for easy insertion of the component into theclip body52. Afirst window68 is formed in the deep drawnchannel60 of thefirst leg54. Thefirst window68 is relatively close to theupturned end66 of thefirst leg54. Asecond window70 is also formed in the deep drawnchannel60 of thefirst leg54, although thesecond window70 is relatively close to thecurved clip end58.

Amovable trigger72 is provided within theclip body52. Themovable trigger72 includes first orupper trigger leg74 having a clipbody engagement flange76 extending therefrom. Themovable trigger72 also includes a second orlower leg78 that is attached to thefirst leg74 by acurved trigger end80. Thefirst leg54 of theclip body52 is slidably positioned in the deep drawnchannel60 of thefirst leg54 of theclip body52. Thesecond leg78 of theclip body52 is slidably positioned in the deep drawnchannel62 of thesecond leg56.

Theclip body52 is provided to the end user in its pre-attachment state as illustrated inFIGS. 11 through 15. In this state, themovable trigger72 is positioned toward the open end of theclip body52. In this position, theflange76 of thetrigger72 engages thefirst window68. This engagement prevents thetrigger72 from prematurely being moved out of position. As illustrated inFIGS. 11 through 14, the pre-attachment position of thetrigger72 maintains a widely spaced relationship between the ends of thefirst leg54 and thesecond leg56, thereby allowing insertion of the component therebetween.

Upon initial insertion of thecomponent38 into theclip body52 as illustrated inFIGS. 13 through 16, the leading edge of thecomponent38 is placed into contact with the inside of thecurved clip end58. As thecomponent38 is pushed clip-inward by the operator into theclip body52, the leading edge of thecomponent38 forces theflange76 of thetrigger72 to become disengaged from thefirst window68. Clip-inward movement of thecomponent38 continues until theflange76 of thetrigger72 is moved into engagement with thesecond window70, as illustrated inFIGS. 17 through 20. With thecomponent38 inserted into theclip body52 to its maximum position, the maximum tension applied to thecomponent38 by thebarbs64 and64′ prevents release of thecomponent38 from theclip body52.

Referring to the third embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept illustrated inFIGS. 21 through 25, an edge clip, generally illustrated as100, is shown in perspective view. Like the edge clips10 and50 referenced above, theedge clip100 has multiple applications but is generally used to hold a component under tension to the clip, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. Theedge clip100 includes a generallyu-shaped clip body102. Theclip body102 also may be composed of any material capable of generating a clamp load to hold a component with enough tension so as to prevent the component from separating from theedge clip100.

Theclip body102 includes a first orupper leg104 and a second orlower leg106. Thefirst leg104 and thesecond leg106 are connected by a solidcurved clip end108. Formed on the inner side of thesecond leg106 is a deepdrawn channel110. The width of the deep drawnchannel110 may be other than that shown.

To assure that the component is securely held to theclip body102, at least one but preferably two barbs are provided. Most preferably afirst barb112 and asecond barb112′ are formed on thefirst leg104. Thebarbs112 and112′ assure that only unidirectional movement of the component into theclip body102 is possible. Thebarbs112 and112′ may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, sharp, round, and spiked.

Thefirst leg104 includes anupturned end114 at its end opposite thecurved clip end108. Theupturned end114 allows for easy insertion of the component into theclip body102. Afirst window116 is formed in thefirst leg104. Thefirst window116 is relatively close to theupturned end114 of thefirst leg104. Asecond window118 is also formed in thefirst leg104. Thesecond window118 is relatively close to thecurved clip end108.

Amovable trigger120 is provided within theclip body102. Themovable trigger120 includes first orupper trigger leg122 having a clipbody engagement flange124 extending therefrom. Themovable trigger120 also includes a second orlower leg126 that is attached to thefirst leg122 by acurved trigger end128. Thesecond leg126 of thetrigger120 is slidably positioned in the deep drawnchannel110 of thesecond leg106.

Theclip body102 is provided to the end user in its pre-attachment state as illustrated inFIGS. 21 through 23. In this state, themovable trigger120 is positioned toward the open end of theclip body102. In this position, theflange124 of thetrigger120 engages thefirst window116. This engagement prevents thetrigger120 from prematurely being moved out of position. As also illustrated inFIGS. 21 through 23, the pre-attachment position of thetrigger120 maintains a widely spaced relationship between the ends of thefirst leg104 and thesecond leg106, thereby allowing insertion of the component therebetween.

Upon initial insertion of thecomponent38 into theclip body102 as illustrated inFIGS. 22 and 23, the leading edge of thecomponent38 is placed into contact with the inside of thecurved clip end108. As thecomponent38 is pushed clip-inward by the operator into theclip body102, the leading edge of thecomponent38 forces theflange124 of thetrigger120 to become disengaged from thefirst window116. Clip-inward movement of thecomponent38 continues until theflange124 of thetrigger120 is moved into engagement with thesecond window118, as illustrated inFIGS. 24 and 25. With thecomponent38 inserted into theclip body102 to its maximum position, the maximum tension applied to thecomponent38 by thebarbs112 and112′ prevents release of thecomponent38 from theclip body102.

Referring to the fourth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept illustrated inFIGS. 26 through 32, an edge clip, generally illustrated as150, is shown in perspective view. Like the edge clips10,50 and100 referenced above, theedge clip150 has multiple applications but is generally used to hold a component under tension to the clip, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. Theedge clip150 includes a generallyu-shaped clip body152. Theclip body152 also may be composed of any material capable of generating a clamp load to hold a component with enough tension so as to prevent the component from separating from theedge clip150.

Theclip body152 includes a first orupper leg154 and a second orlower leg156. Thefirst leg154 and thesecond leg156 are connected by a solidcurved clip end158. Formed on the inner side of thefirst leg154 is a first deep drawnchannel160 and formed on the inner side of thesecond leg156 is a second deep drawnchannel162. The widths of the deep drawnchannels160 and162 may be other than those shown and are not necessarily the same.

To assure that the component is securely held to theclip body152, at least one but preferably two barbs are provided. Most preferably afirst barb164 and asecond barb164′ are formed on thefirst leg154. Thebarbs164 and164′ assure that only unidirectional movement of the component into theclip body152 is possible. Thebarbs164 and164′ may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, sharp, round, and spiked.

Thefirst leg154 includes anupturned end166 at its end opposite thecurved clip end158. Theupturned end166 allows for easy insertion of the component into theclip body152. Afirst window168 is formed in the deep drawnchannel160 of thefirst leg154. Thefirst window168 is relatively close to theupturned end166 of thefirst leg154. Asecond window170 is also formed in the deep drawnchannel160 of thefirst leg154, although thesecond window170 is relatively close to thecurved clip end158.

Amovable trigger172 is provided within theclip body152. Themovable trigger172 includes first orupper trigger leg174 having a clipbody engagement flange176 extending therefrom. Themovable trigger172 also includes a second orlower leg178 that is attached to thefirst leg174 by acurved trigger end180. Afrangible attachment bridge182 preliminarily attaches thetrigger172 to thesecond leg156 of theclip body152.

Theclip body152 is provided to the end user in its pre-assembled state as illustrated inFIGS. 26 and 27. In this state, themovable trigger172 is suspended from thesecond leg156 of theclip body152 by thefrangible attachment bridge182. The user then removes themovable trigger172 from thesecond leg156 by breaking thefrangible attachment bridge182 in any of several known ways, including, but not limited to, back-and-forth movement of thetrigger172 relative to theclip body152 until thefrangible attachment bridge182 is weakened to the point of breakage.

Once separated from theclip body152, themovable trigger172 is inserted into the clip body in such a way that thefirst leg154 of theclip body152 is slidably positioned in the deep drawnchannel160 of thefirst leg154 while thesecond leg178 is slidably positioned in the deep drawnchannel162 of thesecond leg156. Thetrigger172 is inserted clip body-inwardcurved trigger end180 first by the operator into theclip body152 until theflange176 engages thefirst window168 of thefirst leg154. The proper, pre-attachment positioning of thetrigger172 within theclip body152 is illustrated inFIG. 28. In addition, and referring also toFIGS. 29 and 30, the pre-attachment position of thetrigger172 is illustrated, showing how thetrigger172 maintains a widely spaced relationship between the ends of thefirst leg154 and thesecond leg156. Thus positioned, the assembledclip body152 is now ready for insertion of thecomponent38.

Upon initial insertion of thecomponent38 into theclip body152 as illustrated inFIGS. 29 and 30, the leading edge of thecomponent38 is placed into contact with the inside of thecurved clip end158. As thecomponent38 is pushed clip-inward by the operator into theclip body152, the leading edge of thecomponent38 forces theflange176 of thetrigger172 to become disengaged from thefirst window168. Clip-inward movement of thecomponent38 continues until theflange176 of thetrigger172 is moved into engagement with thesecond window170, as illustrated inFIGS. 31 and 32. With thecomponent38 inserted into theclip body152 to its maximum position, the maximum tension applied to thecomponent38 by thebarbs164 and164′ prevents release of thecomponent38 from theclip body152.

Referring to the fifth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept illustrated inFIGS. 33 through 40, an edge clip, generally illustrated as200, is shown in perspective view. Like the edge clips10,50,100 and150 referenced above, theedge clip200 has multiple applications but is generally used to hold a component under tension to the clip, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. Theedge clip200 includes a generallyu-shaped clip body202. Theclip body202 also may be composed of any material capable of generating a clamp load to hold a component with enough tension so as to prevent the component from separating from theedge clip200.

Theclip body202 includes a first orupper leg204 and a second orlower leg206. Thefirst leg204 and thesecond leg206 are connected by a solidcurved clip end208. To assure that the component is securely held to theclip body202, at least one but preferably two barbs are provided. Most preferably afirst barb210 and asecond barb210′ are formed on thefirst leg204. Thebarbs210 and210′ assure that only unidirectional movement of the component into theclip body202 is possible. Thebarbs210 and210′ may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, sharp, round, and spiked.

Afirst window212 is formed in thefirst leg204. Thefirst window212 is relatively close to the open end of thefirst leg204. Asecond window214 is also formed in thefirst leg204, although thesecond window214 is relatively close to thecurved clip end208.

Amovable trigger216 is provided within theclip body202. Thetrigger216 may be made from a wide variety of materials, although a pliable polymerized material such as nylon is preferred. Themovable trigger216 includes afront wall218 that faces the open end of theclip body202. A component-receivingchannel220 is formed in thefront wall218. A clipbody engagement flange222 is integrally formed with thetrigger216. Thetrigger216 further includes aback wall224 that faces thecurved clip end208. Theback wall224 preferably but not absolutely includes achannel225. Thechannel225 provides flexibility to theback wall224 so as to more readily fit against the inner surface of thecurved clip end208.

Thetrigger216 further includes alower channel226 having a pair of spaced-apartlateral arms228 and228′. Thelateral arms228 and228′ engage the sides of thesecond leg206 and allow thetrigger216 to slide linearly along thesecond leg206.

Upon initial insertion of thecomponent38 into theclip body202 as illustrated inFIGS. 35 through 37, the leading edge of thecomponent38 is placed into contact withchannel220 formed on thefront wall218 of thetrigger216. As thecomponent38 is pushed clip-inward by the operator into theclip body202, the leading edge of thecomponent38 forces theflange222 of thetrigger216 to become disengaged from thefirst window212. Clip-inward movement of thecomponent38 continues until theflange222 of thetrigger216 is moved into engagement with thesecond window214, as illustrated inFIGS. 38 through 40. With thecomponent38 inserted into theclip body202 to its maximum position, the maximum tension applied to thecomponent38 by thebarbs210 and210′ prevents release of thecomponent38 from theclip body202.

It is to be understood that while the first through fifth embodiments illustrated in the figures and discussed in conjunction therewith show only a single trigger, two or more triggers positioned side-by-side may also be provided for attaching larger components. Other multiple trigger arrangements are possible such that multiple components could be attached to a single edge clip. Accordingly, the illustration of single triggers is not intended as being limiting.

One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the true spirit and fair scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (30)

What is claimed is:

1. A self-locking edge clip for attachment of a component, the clip comprising:

a u-shaped clip body changeable between a first position in which the component may be freely inserted to a second position in which the component is captured thereby, said clip body including upper and lower legs and a curved end connecting said legs, said legs and said curved end defining a clip interior having an open end, at least one of said legs having a channel formed therein, said legs being in spaced apart positions to define said open end when said clip body is in said first position;

a u-shaped trigger slidably and linearly movable in said channel between an initial position in which said legs are in said spaced apart positions and a final, component-engaging position, said trigger being disposed entirely within said clip body when in said initial position; and

a first interlock formed between said trigger and said clip body, said first interlock holding said trigger in said initial position.

2. The self-locking edge clip according toclaim 1, wherein said u-shaped trigger is linearly displaceable from said initial position to said final position upon insertion of the component therein.

3. The self-locking edge clip according toclaim 1, further including a second interlock for holding said trigger in said final position, said second interlock being positioned closer to said curved end of said clip body than said open end of said clip body.

4. The self-locking edge clip according toclaim 3, wherein said first interlock includes a first window formed in one of said legs and a flange formed on said trigger and said second interlock includes a second window formed in said one of said legs and said flange formed on said trigger.

5. The self-locking edge clip according toclaim 4, wherein said first and second windows are formed in said channel.

6. The self-locking edge clip according toclaim 1, further including a window formed in said curved end of said clip body for receiving a portion of said trigger when said trigger is in said final position.

7. The self-locking edge clip according toclaim 1, wherein said trigger includes a curved end and wherein said curved end of said body includes a channel for substantially receiving said curved end of said trigger when said trigger is in said final position.

8. The self-locking edge clip according toclaim 1, wherein said channel formed in one of said legs is a first channel and wherein a second channel is formed in the other of said legs.

9. The self-locking edge clip according toclaim 1, further including a frangible bridge attaching said trigger to said clip body.

10. The self-locking edge clip according toclaim 1, further including a component-gripping barb formed on one of said legs.

11. A push-on clip fastener for attachment of a component, the fastener comprising:

a u-shaped clip body including an open end and a closed end, said clip body having first and second legs and an end wall connecting said legs, said clip body providing a clamp load for engaging part of the component;

a first window formed in said first leg, said first window being closer to said open end of said clip body than said closed end;

a second window formed in said first leg, said second window being closer to said closed end of said clip body than said open end;

a u-shaped trigger for receiving a portion of the component, said trigger being movable between an initial position and a final position, said trigger being disposed entirely within said clip body when in said initial position, said trigger including a locking flange extending therefrom, said locking flange being engageable with said first window when in said initial position and with said second window when in said final position.

12. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 11, wherein said trigger is disposed within said clip body when in said final position.

13. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 11, wherein said trigger is u-shaped and includes a first portion, a second portion, and a back portion, said locking flange extending from said first portion.

14. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 11, wherein said first leg includes a trigger-guiding channel formed therein.

15. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 14, wherein said windows are formed in said trigger-guiding channel.

16. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 11, wherein said first and second legs of said clip body include side edges and wherein said trigger includes an underside and spaced-apart lateral arms, said spaced-apart lateral arms being slidable along said side edges of one of said legs.

17. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 11, wherein said end wall of said clip body includes a trigger-passing aperture formed therein.

18. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 11, wherein said trigger includes a curved end and wherein said end wall of said clip body includes a channel for substantially receiving said curved end of said trigger when said trigger is in said final position.

19. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 11, further including a frangible bridge attaching said trigger to said clip body.

20. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 11, further including a component-gripping barb formed on one of said legs, said barb having a shape, said shape being selected from the Species consisting of flat, sharp, round, and spiked.

21. A push-on clip fastener for attachment of a component, the fastener comprising:

a clip body having first and second legs and an end wall connecting said legs;

a first window formed in said first leg;

a second window formed in said first leg;

a trigger for receiving a portion of the component, said trigger being movable between first and second positions, said trigger being disposed entirely within said clip body when in said first position, said trigger including a locking flange extending therefrom, said locking flange being engageable with said first window when in said first position and with said second window when in said second position.

22. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 21, wherein said trigger is disposed within said clip body when in said second position.

23. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 21, wherein said trigger is u-shaped and includes a first portion, a second portion, and a back portion, said locking flange extending from said first portion.

24. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 21, wherein said first leg includes a trigger-guiding channel formed therein.

25. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 24, wherein said windows are formed in said trigger-guiding channel.

26. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 21, wherein said first and second legs of said clip body include side edges and wherein said trigger includes an underside and spaced-apart lateral arms, said spaced-apart lateral arms being slidable along said side edges of one of said legs.

27. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 21, wherein said end wall of said clip body includes a trigger-passing aperture formed therein.

28. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 21, wherein said trigger includes a curved end and wherein said end wall of said body includes a channel for substantially receiving said curved end of said trigger when said trigger is in said second position.

29. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 21, further including a frangible bridge attaching said trigger to said clip body.

30. The push-on clip fastener ofclaim 21, further including a component-gripping barb formed on one of said legs, said barb having a shape, said shape being selected from the Species consisting of flat, sharp, round, and spiked.

Images